Shortcomings in GCSE sciences persisted in 2009, says Ofqual report
Ofqual, together with its regulatory partner in Wales, DCELLS, today published a review of the summer 2009 GCSE examination papers in science and additional science.
The new report concludes that the summer 2009 examination papers did not generally match the grade descriptions and did not give candidates of all abilities the opportunity to demonstrate their full knowledge, understanding and skills. The report also makes six recommendations to awarding bodies. These apply to work both on the current specifications and on new specifications which are being developed.
This work follows on from Ofqual's monitoring report into the GCSE science suite during 2007 and 2008, published in March 2009, which identified that the level of performance by candidates at key grades was too low and that the standards set by different awarding bodies were not comparable.
The Society of Biology has been working closely with our member organisations to influence the development of the current GCSE specifications and champion a curriculum that engages all students and stretches those with an interest in taking their studies further.
Further information and the full Report can be found here: http://www.ofqual.gov.uk/news-and-announcements/130/336
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